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Lot Essay
This interesting form of hanging shelf is virtually identical to one from the Collection of Mr. Robert Frank, illustrated in P. Macquoid and R. Edwards, The Dictionary of English Furniture, London, 1927, vol. III, p.116, fig 6. The illustrated example however, appears to be lacking the drawers beneath the lowest shelf.
Towards the mid-18th century, the fashion for displaying ornamental china increased and whilst cabinets or alcoves were most popular earlier in the century there was a growing trend towards shelves and brackets. In 1754, whilst visiting the the Duke of Cumberland's residence near Sunninghill, Pococke noted 'little shelves hung up', one for the use of books, the other china. In the same year Thomas Chippendale produced designs for eleven 'china shelves' in his Director. Whilst some stood on legs, all but one were in the Chinese taste, reflecting the strong influence of the Orient at this time, and the esteem in which those items imported from the East were held. This tradition certainly continued into the 1760's with Chippendale continuing to produce designs in his third edition of the Director in 1762 for 'Hanging Shelves' and 'Shelves for China'. Plates CXL and CXLI in this edition both show very similar fret carving to the unusual canted front angles and pagoda crestings apparent on the current lot.
Towards the mid-18th century, the fashion for displaying ornamental china increased and whilst cabinets or alcoves were most popular earlier in the century there was a growing trend towards shelves and brackets. In 1754, whilst visiting the the Duke of Cumberland's residence near Sunninghill, Pococke noted 'little shelves hung up', one for the use of books, the other china. In the same year Thomas Chippendale produced designs for eleven 'china shelves' in his Director. Whilst some stood on legs, all but one were in the Chinese taste, reflecting the strong influence of the Orient at this time, and the esteem in which those items imported from the East were held. This tradition certainly continued into the 1760's with Chippendale continuing to produce designs in his third edition of the Director in 1762 for 'Hanging Shelves' and 'Shelves for China'. Plates CXL and CXLI in this edition both show very similar fret carving to the unusual canted front angles and pagoda crestings apparent on the current lot.